Macleod's Islay Single Malt

Tasted a 2020 bottling of this dark horse Islay malt which I never heard of before I found it on offer for just over 20 euros. Turned out to be a steal! Nose: Thick and inviting Islay brine with evident sherry cask influence. Smoky. Fresh campfire and BBQ. Leather and seasoned oak. Very good balance of a nose. Taste: Brine, smoke, leather, oak, sherry. Sweet and a bit spicy at the same time. Quality cask management and blending done here. Tastes about 8 years old. Smooth and sippable, with a fine balance of Islay peat and sherry. Finish: Medium. Sherry, smoke, leather and oak fades into brine. Iodine lingers. Final thoughts: this is a fantastic NAS that I would highly recommend as an introduction to Islay malts. I haven't been able to find any credible information about which distillery this was sourced from. Best educated guess is Lagavulin.

Short lasted but sweet notes up front, the body is somewhat bland and uncomplex, mostly mostly iodine and slight hay and malt. The finish isn’t too long but has a solid peaty, spicy finish. The peat is light-medium with this dram. Is this a substitute for ardbeg, Bowmore or laphroaig? not likely to be enjoyed as much as those if you are already a fan of the other whiskies. It is although a good intro to islay whisky or a quick everyday scotch for the price.

Nose. Light peat and phenols. Some brine and iodine. A touch of smoky bacon at the end. Palate. Medicinal smoke, vanilla and smoky bacon crisps. Finish. Medium and lacking some depth. Smoky bacon crisps linger. Really not bad for the price you pay. This comes from the same business behind Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Rosebank distilleries, and owners of Smokehead.

Checks all of the boxes I look for in an Islay at a fraction of the price. Lots of great peaty, smoky flavor with a smooth finish. Like another review said, nothing exceptional but for the price I’d have a hard time finding a competitor.

Nice Islay whiskey. Smooth. Definitely going to keep this around. Great Islay taste at a hell of a price. Check it. Won’t change your life, but a very good whiskey and good value.

Peaty and good start, but a little disappointed with the ending. After Laphroaig wanted to try another Islay Whisky, but ended up just wishing it was Laphroaig.